Valley Beth Shalom
Harold M. Schulweis
Day School

  • Address

    15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino 

  • Phone

    818-788-2199

  • Website | Social

    vbsds.org
    @vbsdayschool

  • Special Section

    All About Kids

Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School is a K–6 Jewish elementary school that teaches Jewish values, critical thinking, social-emotional learning, creativity, leadership, and social justice. Founded 45 years ago, the school offers an athletics program, Innovation Lab, art studio, robotics, musical theatre, chess and visual arts. 

What’s new this year at VBS?

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Kimberly Schwartz, a highly respected leader in the independent school community, as our incoming head of school for the 2024–2025 school year. Also this year, we are proud to incorporate AI (artificial intelligence) as an educational tool for our teachers to use to benefit their students’ academic growth.

How does your school incorporate innovative teaching methods?

We took a three-year deep dive into differentiation by hiring a coach to guide us. With the idea of reaching all types of students, teachers tailored lesson plans to address the spectrum of learners in their classes and are able to better meet the needs of students. We adopted a social-emotional learning program, RULER, and initiated an educational program, Challenge Based Learning, which centers the student in the educational wheel.

How do you connect classroom learning with the outside world? 

Guided by the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, fixing the world, students are exposed to topics that teach community responsibility. Hineni Action Day connects to Martin Luther King Jr. Day and inspires students to take action to benefit others. This year’s theme for the all-school Generations’ Day performance highlighted the diversity of cultures that have made Israel a thriving country.

Describe your recent renovations.

The new library boasts hundreds of books, state-of-the-art technology and reading nooks. Our classrooms and art studio have undergone renovations, and our new gym houses our robust athletics program. The synagogue renovated its sanctuary and assembly hall, creating a beautiful space to pray and welcome Shabbat on Fridays, and a gorgeous stage for our performing arts club’s musical productions.